Internet Angers

[Lew]

I don't know why but the dial up internet services in my area are very poor.  I seem to hook up at decent speeds, but yet I can never navigate anywhere quickly, or my computer tells me I am connected but I can't go anywhere.  Anyway yesterday I finally got fed up with it all and called my cable company and Friday they are comming out to install my cable modem, and I will have cable internet.  My neighbor has cable and he rockets around on the internet.  Just thought I would share my woes, and joy of an upgrade..

Lew

 

[Green Horn]

Yep, I'm getting close to doing the same thing myself. I love cruisin' the web while at work, but then I come home to a big disappointment.

 

[gwcrim]

I've enjoyed a cable modem for the last two years at home and T1 lines at work for the last 5 years or so. I couldn't even imagine using a dial up again.

You'll LOVE it.

 

[firecracker22]

I just moved back into town where cable internet is available again and I am SOOOO much happier. I love it. No more tied up phone lines, no more random disconnects, no more sloowww loading.

 

[plykins]

I got cable internet earlier this summer. It is 120 times faster than my old dial-up. That's right 120 times! :yeehaw: I could never imagine going back now!!! :) You are going to love it. :thumb:

 

[Jeff Gilbert]

I've been on cable for a couple of years and it's much better, can't imagine ever dialing up again except the occasional hotel stays.

I do recommend getting something like ZONE ALARM or equivalent, you can download it for free. Because you are always connected you'll want to put a lock on the door when you're not home. You'll be surprised at the programs already on your computer that access the Internet as well the Internet accessing your computer.

 

[Lew]

Jeff Gilbert
My neighbor also suggested that. I figured for now I would plug the modem into one of the control switches on my desk and just kill the power to the modem when not in use.
Lew

 

[Okiewan]

Lew...
You need a firewall (I use Zone Alarm Pro). If you think paying attention while online will keep out the bad guys, you're wrong. They can easily get in and out, right under your nose, you'd never know it.

 

[DAVE C]

Funny you mention cable modems. I am on the phone right now cancelling my dial up service and phone service. Cable modem on the way!!!

 

[mdkuder]

Some of us pay a price by living in rural areas by not having access to cable and/or DSL services. But I can walk out in the back and roost away. OH YEAH! But seriously, my connection at home is a blistering 28.8, I installed DSL at my wifes former employer, to test it I went straight to Frank Hoppen site and BAM instant thumbnails, this would have taken approx. and hour at home. Someday! :aj:

 

[Lew]

Thanks guy's I will get zone alarm. I wouldn't want any bad guys stealing all my top secret dirt bike jargan from my computer.
Lew

 

[IrishEKU]

What does a fire wall cost? Will it work with my system? :)

 

[JTT]

Okie, or others of the computer literate, what about hardware firewalls?? I have a cable connection (by the way, Lew, you will never look back :) ) with a hardware router box that also supposedly functions as a hardware firewall. I was told that this is even better than a software firewall...is this correct? My level of computer expertise is like my understanding of 4 strokes...hopelessly inept :(

 

[DAVE C]

mdkuder, I will gladly trade you cable internet service for solitude any day! Just let me know. :)

 

[Lew]

Wow, I am on cable now. I think my hair is on fire... This thing hauls butt. I just downloaded an mp3 in about 45 secs. I gotta get I have more surfin to do.
Cheers
Lew

 

[JWW]

I just found out my DSL provider is shutting down within 90 days. :whiner: This was the only service I could find in my area.

 

[Bill Beard]

Yeah, and don't get fooled with Satellite internet being much faster than dial-up. I have it and it's just about as slow.

 

[Philip]

My roadrunner cable modem speed here is 2.4. Smokin :flame:
I was at 28.8, man what a difference! :thumb:

Thanks for the heads up Okie on the firewall. I don't have one right now, I feel soooo Naked. :o

 

[wayneg]

JTT - probably the most important feature of any firewall (hardware or software) is that it does ' stateful packet inspection' and 'network address translation' or NAT. What this means is that the firewall is aware of what traffic is going out to the Internet so that it knows what to expect as return traffic coming back. NAT hides any internal machines behind the address of the cable modem - which will make it harder for hackers to attack your PC. See - much easier than learning about valves, cams and not putting any oil in with your fuel. ;)